CITY EVENT ANTWERP

Text Renée Cordes
Images Alamy, Corbis

In early March, the Zythos Beer Festival attracts beer worshippers from near and far to the East Flanders town of St Niklaas. Here’s what to expect, along with must-see sights in nearby Antwerp

Since the Middle Ages, Belgium has made brewing an art form, and today boasts no less than 450 different varieties – all served in their own specially shaped glass. Each glass is designed to enhance the drink’s flavour – unsurprising in this country that takes beer as seriously as the French their wines. From artisanal microbreweries to Leuven-based multinational InBev SA, the world’s largest brewer, Belgians are brewing quality quaffs. The choice of styles is mind-boggling, from the standard wheat beer to flavoured varieties such as raspberry, cherry, peach and even chocolate. But perhaps the most distinctive is the bone-dry, cidery lambic, made through a process known as spontaneous fermentation.

There are, of course, festivals galore to celebrate the drink throughout the year. One of the most cherished is the Zythos Beer Festival, this year on 1-2 March (www.zbf.be). It all happens in the East Flanders town of St Niklaas, just southwest of Antwerp and easily accessible by train from Brussels. First held in 2004 as the successor to an event in Antwerp, the festival has already been referred to as “one of the world’s greatest beer festivals”.

It is named for Zythos beer consumers’ group (derived from a Greek word for a type of ale). No entry fee is required, so just show up thirsty and make your way around the stands, featuring more than 150 beers from 50 or so producers. A 15cl sample will set you back a mere €1; there’s also a €3 deposit for a special festival glass, which makes a great souvenir.

Trappist brewers Chimay and Westmalle will be there, as will as oodles of other, lesser-known producers. The festival booklet offers short descriptions that can prove helpful. You may even be served by the brewer (who will be wearing a Brouwer badge) himself.

There’s no need to drink on an empty stomach, though – stop by the cheese stall featuring scrumptious local specialities, among a number of other food outlets (hamburgers, sandwiches, and of course, frites, or Belgian fries). Parents will be happy to hear there’s even a Kinderhoek, or kiddies’ corner, so the little ones don’t get bored.

Don’t miss…

Attractions in Antwerp and the surrounding area

1 ModeNatie
282 Nationalestraat, www.modenatie.com

Home to the Flanders Fashion Institute and the funky MoMu fashion museum. Located in the heart of the city’s fashion shopping district, it also boasts a gift shop with a superb array of design books on offer.

2 Hoffy’s
52 Lange Kievitsstraat, tel. (0)3 234 3535

A bustling family-run restaurant and takeaway in the Jewish district serving hearty kosher gourmet food from matzah ball soup to veal with vegetables.

3 The Hotel Julien
24 Korte Nieuwstraat, tel. (0)3 229 0600, www.hotel-julien.com

A small boutique luxury hotel in Antwerp’s city centre. Rooms from €244, including breakfast, or two-night ‘Fashion Special’ promotions.

4 Aquatopia
26 Koningin Astridplein, www.aquatopia.be

A modern, well maintained aquarium that’s a real treat for children and the young at heart. It may not be the world’s biggest, but it certainly has plenty to offer, including sharks, frogs and octopus.

5 Rubenshuis
9-11 Wapper, tel. (0)3 201 1555

The former dwelling of Flemish grand master Peter Paul Rubens, converted into a museum. His masterpiece The Descent from the Cross is on display at the nearby Onze Lieve Vrouwenkathedraal, a stunning Gothic cathedral.

6 Diamond Museum
19-23 Koningin Astridplein

There is a plethora of glittering diamond shops on Pelikaanstraat, literally steps from Antwerp Central train station and the city’s equivalent of Manhattan’s 47th Street. The multi-media Diamond Museum offers a brilliant education in the precious gems, with dazzling exhibits aplenty.

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